'It doesn't change one bit' - Gautam Gambhir on Virat Kohli's role in the ODI series vs South Africa

The upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa will be Virat Kohli’s first assignment in 50-over cricket since his removal as captain last month. Although the 33-year-old quit the T20I captaincy, the selectors opted to replace him with Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain. However, it is to be noted that Rohit won’t be available for the ODI series due to an injury.

Thus, KL Rahul is all set to lead the side in the three one-dayers against the Proteas. During a discussion on the Star Sports show Game Plan, Gautam Gambhir was asked about witnessing a rejuvenated Kohli with the bat. He felt that the former Indian skipper should be looking to score runs, and captaincy isn’t anyone’s birthright. He also gave an example of MS Dhoni and how he played under Kohli after stepping down from the helm.

“What new do you want to see? Captaincy is not anyone’s birthright. People like MS Dhoni have given the captaincy baton to Virat Kohli, he has played under Virat Kohli as well. He has won three ICC trophies and four IPL trophies as well,” said Gautam Gambhir.

I think Kohli should look to score runs, says Gautam Gambhir

“I think Kohli should look to score runs and that is more important. When you dream of playing for India, you don’t dream to become a captain. You dream of winning games for India and nothing changes, except that you are not going out there to do the toss and set the field placement, but your energy and intensity should remain the same because it’s an honour playing for the country,” he added.

When asked about the 33-year-old’s role, Gambhir stated that his role “doesn’t change even one bit”. The former opener felt that Kohli’s main aim should be to score runs. He also spoke about his role as an anchor.

“Exactly the same (role) what he had when he was captaining the side. Batting at No. 3, scoring lots and lots of runs and probably anchoring the innings as well. When Rohit Sharma comes in with KL Rahul at the top of the order, Kohli’s role doesn’t change one bit,” he said.

It is to be noted that India’s current number three batter in limited-overs cricket hasn’t played an ODI for quite a long time. His last one-day game was against England in March 2021. After losing the Test series by 2-1, India and Kohli wouldn’t want to return home empty-handed and thus, would try their best to win the ODI series.